q. on bike mechanics / placement of front derailleur

[ridebikeme]

I agree with all of the others,,,take it to the shop! I also work at a mtn bike park, and our xs bikes do not have that problem. I really think it's simply not set up quite right. Regardless of what size it is, rubbing on the BOTTOM ( not the side plate) of the derailleur is a height/compression issue and is something that is quickly fixed. Whether it's Shimano or Sram is also not the issue.

It sounds like you have a great bike, and although there is an adjustment phase in getting used to the size... in the long run, it truly sounds like it's a better size for you. Mountain bikes do not have as many options for sizing as road bikes, but hopefully one day they will... it's certainly getting better all the time.

Have fun!

[bounceswoosh]

It sounds like you have a great bike, and although there is an adjustment phase in getting used to the size... in the long run, it truly sounds like it's a better size for you. Mountain bikes do not have as many options for sizing as road bikes, but hopefully one day they will... it's certainly getting better all the time.

Have fun!

It really is a great bike, it's true. It's beautiful. The people at the shop remember when it was delivered and still wander by to take another look when I bring it in. It has great components. It's gold anodized (sounds sketch, but in practice it is just the right color of gold) with metallic red accents on all the Chris King components (hubs, headset, spoke nipples). I call her my super hero bike =) When the frame came in they put it on display while waiting for the rest of the components to arrive. I put ergo grips on her, which look dorky, but give a platform so that I'm not tempted to sag my wrists. Everything about her is a decision I made.

And can unmake ... as DH told me last night, worst to worst, we buy a new frame, migrate the components, and sell this amazingly beautiful frame. But I sure hope it doesn't come to that.

One thing's for sure -- my wrists don't hurt when I ride her. And that was my primary concern in getting her. I just need to get this stupid chain issue fixed, or at least put it to bed in my mind. Yeah. Definitely going to the bike shop(s) today.

[bounceswoosh]

Sorry for all the posts -- it just occurred to me -- with my weight on the seat, which it typically would be in the small ring, the rear suspension would be lower and I would get more effective clearance for the derailleur cage. So it may be that this rub only exists when I'm in the eighth or ninth highest gear in the little ring, which arguably I shouldn't be in, anyway.

I'll have to check.

[bounceswoosh]

I took the bike back to the shop. Riding it the few feet from the car to the shop, I realized that, with a rider, the rear suspension drops the bottom of the front derailleur cage enough to give me a few more gears in the front ring.

Talked to a guy in the service dept. a bit – short story, I’m not worried any more. There’s some rub in top three gears when I ride in the smallest ring – ie, when I’m crossing the chain. No worries.

Ultimately I gotta be happy with my bike, and after looking at the situation more closely, I am. Happy. Very. Just riding along those 20 feet made me happy =)

Next goal: sneak out of work early to hit one of my favorite trails.

[SuperRunt]

Glad you figured it out!

I just got my first full suspension bike a few weeks ago. Definitely need to learn a couple of new maintenance skills!

Can't wait to go ride it for real... Still have a couple feet of snow on the ground here.